Findings underscore need for telemedicine tools such as LiveHealth®
Online offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia

November 07, 2016 01:17 PM Eastern Standard Time

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The results of a new “Moms and Health Technology Survey” found that moms
are constantly looking for better and easier ways to manage their
family’s health, with all agreeing (100%) that having round the clock
access to a doctor would be helpful. Additionally, seventy-one percent
(71%) of moms surveyed reported losing more than two hours from the
work/school day due to taking their child for a doctor visit,
underscoring the critical need and importance of more convenient access
to healthcare. The survey was released by LiveHealth® Online,
an online resource that provides 24/7 access to board-certified doctors
who are accessible via video chat on smartphones, tablets or PCs. Blue
Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa) offers coverage for online
visits to many of its health plan members when patients see doctors
using LiveHealth Online.

“Research shows that busy working moms can find it challenging to see a
doctor when they need to address a non-emergency health issue” said
Debbie Diamond, spokesperson for BCBSGa. “We understand the importance
about how mobile technology is evolving and providing moms with new
tools that help manage, track and access health information. Now, more
than ever, women need access to information and technology that enables
them to focus on health and wellness for themselves and their families.”

The “Moms and Health Technology Survey” was conducted by EmpowHER®, an
online health community for women. The survey consisted of responses
from more than 500 moms regarding their use of health technology tools,
apps and trackers to understand their current habits and anticipated
needs.

Key Survey Findings:

Eighty two percent (82%) of moms surveyed say they are the most
“health tech-savvy” in their family.

Sixty-four percent (64%) of moms surveyed say that having access to
healthcare on-demand is more important than having streaming video or
food delivery.

Sixty-four percent (64%) of women surveyed said they find it
challenging to take their kids to the doctor during office hours
during the school year.

Seventy-nine percent (79%) of moms surveyed say they’re interested in
trying or learning more about telemedicine to help themselves and/or
their family when faced with a non-emergency medical issue.

Over half of moms surveyed (54%) said online video visits with a
doctor would make them more confident that they can attend to their
family’s health or would be like having a health security blanket.

In addition, health technology tools are giving moms hope for the
future with sixty-one percent (61%) of those surveyed agreeing that
health technology innovations will lead to better overall health for
their children.

“The results of this survey, plus the growing utilization of technology,
reveal the importance of health related tools for women and emphasize
this increased need for healthcare to become more convenient when they
are unable to reach their doctor’s office, especially with an
anticipated shortage of primary care doctors, crowded ERs and continued
rising costs,” said John Jesser, President of LiveHealthOnline.
“Moms in particular are benefitting from the merger of technology and
health and using tools such as LiveHealth Online because it allows them
to get better access to doctors, be more efficient with time and keep
their families and themselves healthy.”

LiveHealth® Online is a mobile app and website that provides
consumers with a convenient way to have a live video conversation with a
doctor, get a diagnosis and receive treatment if needed for common
urgent care-type health conditions. Consumers can access U.S.-based
board certified doctors through livehealthonline.com or on an iOS or
Android smartphone or tablet using the free app. The cost of an online
visit using LiveHealth Online is $49 or less depending on whether
insurance coverage is available for the visit. Online therapy visits
with a licensed therapist or psychologist via LiveHealth Online are
available in all 50 states, plus DC. In addition, Cuidado Medico,
provides Spanish-speaking consumers the option of using LiveHealth
Online to see physicians who speak Spanish and is currently available in
California and Nevada. LiveHealth Online is secure, private, easy-to-use
and affordable. LiveHealth® Online is the trade name of
Health Management Corporation, a separate company that provides
telehealth services.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia:

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Inc. and Blue Cross Blue Shield
Healthcare Plan of Georgia, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue
Cross Blue Shield Association. The Blue Cross Blue Shield names and
symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Association. Additional information about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of
Georgia, Inc. is available at www.bcbsga.com.
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Research methodology: The “Moms and Health Technology” ” survey was
fielded online at EmpowHER.com (via Survey Monkey) from July 25—August
12, 2016. The sample is comprised of 527 U.S. women aged 18-59 years
with children.